A. Srinivas Rao
M.Com – 1984-86 (with Ruchir Desai), MBA – 1986-88
It is with a deep sense of grief that I am writing this eulogy, at the loss of one of the finest Sai brothers and dear friend Ruchir Desai. It is not easy to find a Ruchir Desai again, as he blended academic brilliance with innate goodness of heart all through his life. Never thought that a day like this would come, when I would see him leave us so early in life. But that is how Swami reminds us of the ephemerality of our earthly sojourn, by taking away from amidst us the people and things we take for granted or get attached to, and also the importance of leading a life worthy of emulation. That is what Ruchir’s legacy is today.
We were classmates in M.com (1984-86) in Prasanthi Nilayam campus, and ever since I had been very closely associated with him till this date. By virtue of that, I can say he was a man of highest integrity and was disciplined to the core of his every breath. Ruchir’s mother had once said to me, with a glint of pride in her eyes, that ever since childhood Ruchir was quiet, obedient, studious, and of calm demeanor.
He had clarity of mind in everything he did in life. His first love was Swami and his commitment and dedication to his lord was there for all to see for decades on. He was a man of few words and like all successful humans, a good listener. When asked to respond, he would not mince words in politely giving a piece of his mind.
During our M. Com days, Ruchir, the student, assumed a teaching role for us classmates, reinforcing lessons, during the free hours or when the teacher arrived late to the class. He was an “Eka Santha Grahi”, paying all the attention in the class. His handwritten notes were all ours at all times, even on the night before exams.
He was a ‘little bonzer’ of a kid in the class – a teacher’s delight, as well as a challenge. And later on, as a teacher, he proved to be a joy to his students. He has produced a legion of brilliant students, many of whom are in high positions and have been in regular touch with him, with all reverence.
While he attached primary importance to his teaching duties, he was a man always on the move – looking after the historic Brindavan Cooperative Stores, discharging hostel duties, sports meet duties, grama seva duties, and the additional responsibilities Swami entrusted him with at Kodaikanal or whenever dignitaries were to be hosted by Swami. His business acumen and standards met Bhagawan’s high expectations. He was always busy tirelessly helping others in various spheres. ‘Parallel processing’ and ‘multi-tasking’ at lightning speeds, was his forte much before they became common parlance in the world of computers. His brilliant oratory skills are there for all to see, especially when he would recalls his golden moments with Swami.
He was always my go-to man for every little thing as he always had the best solutions.
Ruchir was Swami’s gift in my little life as he guided me in my personal financial planning – an act for which I always personally expressed my gratitude to him whenever we met. He would always offer the gratitude offered to him back to Swami with a word of caution to exercise austerity in use of money.
Ruchir himself led a highly simple and austere life. During our morning walks or during drives, he guided me on all my queries and doubts on hospital accounts and finance matters, and when he couldn’t, he would put me in touch with an expert C.A. to clarify my doubts.
While a giant in his field of accounting & finance, he dropped all those feathers when with a friend like me.
His presence emitted a divine purity always. He was one of the most dedicated beings, putting all his extraordinary skills and abilities in the service to his Lord and Master. Most importantly, he won the confidence of the Lord, which not many can.
As a true son, Ruchir took very loving care of his mother. Once when she was on ventilator in a hospital in Mumbai three years ago, he airlifted her on a chopper and got her saved in Swamy’s hospital at Whitefield, as he trusted Swami’s doctors.
During this whole pandemic, he had been frequently driving down to Parthi at every opportune time available, to spend time with his mother. Today she lives on, braving the loss, taking it as Swami’s will. That is the sign of a true devotee.
Four things that Swamis says come to my mind here :
- “Paropakaarartham Idam Shareeram”
- It is not enough to be Great, one has to be Good.
- Only two things remain at the end of one’s life viz., the good and bad deed one does.
- One has to be not only a Good boy but a God boy
Reflecting on Ruchir’s life in this solemn moment, it can be concluded that he ticks off all the above four boxes. He was truly a God boy, a true Sai student, a rare jewel.
Ruchirs life will remain an inspiration for generations of Sai students. Thank you Ruchir bhai.